7 May 2015

Blog On MOSI 2015

Remember that photo I published on my blog on Sunday? There was much speculation about what it was. The time has come to reveal all. The photo was taken on Saturday as part of the photography workshop at Blog On. It's a weaving loom in the Cottonopolis section of the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester.

Let's start at the beginning and go through the events that led to that intriguing photo. It all began a few months ago when I bought a ticket to my first Blog On. Last Saturday saw me haul a large empty suitcase up the stairs of the MOSI to attend what promised to be an exciting day in the company of fellow bloggers.
After shelling out a few pounds for the raffle tickets in aid of the Super Shoes charity and picking up stationary in the lucky dip, I settled down with a cookie and coffee to listen to Nickie from Typecast talk about the importance of time management. There was a really useful blog scheduler given as a handout. It has made me think about getting organised and scheduling my time in a more efficient manner.

Hard at work on the Tombola and Raffle

The next session saw me absorbing some clever photography tips from the talented Jenny from Cheetahs In My Shoes. She then let us loose in the MOSI to put our newly acquired skills to the test. Armed with my i-phone, I ended up clicking away in the Cottonopolis. I saw things I wouldn't normally have. Here are a couple of my favourites.

At the Cottonopolis, Blog On MOSI

Looking up in the Cottonopolis, Blog On MOSI

After hobnobbing with some lovely brands and indulging my sweet tooth some more, it was back to the workshops. The You Tube session chaired by Kate from WitWitWoo, Lisa from Hollybobs and Nickie (again) was a revelation for a novice vlogger like me. I hope to put some of that advice into practice and build my vlogging repertoire.

Lunch was spent with the lovely Helen from Wittyhoots. After tucking into delicious sandwiches and brownies, we found time to take a selfie!

Selfie time!

The next session was particularly tricky for me. I had to choose between the Beginner or Advanced blogging sessions. I have been blogging for nearly two years, but I do not consider myself anywhere near advanced. So it was 'beginners' for me. Sound choice, I must say. Tom from Bring Digital gave some superb tips that I have tried to incorporate in my blog (regulars may notice a difference in the way my blog now looks and functions).

Now came the part we were all looking forward to all day long. I had only heard about this, never experienced it. Cake and prosecco at a blogging conference. Perfect. A couple of glasses down, and I have no clue what numbers Laura was calling out as raffle winners. Just hoping now that I didn't bin a winning ticket!

Cake at Blog On MOSI

Nearly two years in, I have decided mine is a lifestyle blog. So I was off to listen to Danii from Hungry Healthy Happy and Charlie from Gin Fuelled Bluestocking, two prolific lifestyle bloggers, talk about the varied diversity that is a lifestyle blog.

The day was drawing to a close, but not before Duncan from Evolution PR had given us one really useful tip about working with brands. Get in touch. By the way, I had no idea he was behind UK Mums TV. I always assumed it was a mum!

The time had come to pack the enormous goody bags into my empty suitcase and head home. All I can say is that I am a Blog On convert and will definitely be in attendance next year.

My haul of goodies from Blog On MOSI

For all you who were hoping to glean some tips from what transpired at Blog On, fear not. I will be following up with a series of posts focussing on what I learnt in each session. Until then, keep calm and blog on. Maybe with a slice of cake and a glass of bubbly to egg you on.